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It’s Friday, Wilmington! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Coastal Comic Con, WWII warbird showcase, and Outlander river cruise + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.

📰 In the news

AI-powered dealer expands footprint: Wilmington’s Off the Hook Yachts plans to acquire Florida’s Apex Marine Group for $5.5 million, a move that could add $30 million in revenue, with closing expected within 60 days — get all the deal details.

Step into public safety: New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for its free 11-week Citizens’ Academy. Learn how deputies work and get an inside look at law enforcement in Wilmington — see how to apply.

Historic aviation takes flight: WWII warbirds will be on display at Wilmington International Airport during the Azalea Festival, with public rides in a TBM Avenger, SNJ, and Fuji LM-1, plus a Guadalcanal commemorative demonstration — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.

Highlights this week:

• Tour Wilmington’s colonial and revolutionary landmarks
• Snuggle up for Wall-E family night
• Experience Wilmington’s first plant and crystal expo
• Over 62? See how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?

Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz

Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.

The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.

I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.

This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.

🫶 We got your back

Treasure hunt, Wilmington-style: Mid-century quirks, vintage Pyrex, and that statement dresser you suddenly can’t live without await inside FleaBody’s Antique Mall, where 65+ vendors fill 12,000 square feet of finds. There’s even an on-site workshop for quick fixes or refreshes when a near-perfect piece needs help.

Plant-based comfort fix: Craving indulgence without the dairy drama? In Wilmington, Mike’s Vegan Grill slings burgers, dogs, loaded fries, and big Philly energy, all 100% plant-based. It’s the move when you want junk-food vibes that still feel like a win for your week.

Little spark, zero clasp: Tiny Weld makes clasp-free bracelets, anklets, and more, micro welded to fit and built to live with you. Mark a moment or match a friend with their thoughtful chain selection and charm bar, and leave with something you’ll actually wear.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

💥 Coastal Comic Con @ Wilmington Convention Center | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats a weekend where you can justify your childhood obsessions as “collecting.” Right here in town, Coastal Comic Con brings retro games, VR, and a sea of toys, comics, and Pokémon, plus costume contests, panels, celebrity sightings, and 170 artists and vendors.

🚢 River Cruise: “Outlander in the Cape Fear” @ Wilmington Water Tours | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Wilmington Water Tours and the Burgwin-Wright House are taking you back in time on the Cape Fear, retracing the real Wilmington history woven into Outlander. No kilt required, just curiosity, a river breeze, and $40. Snag seats at WilmingtonWaterTours.net, or call 910-338-3134.

🚗 Circle the Wagens Car Show @ Waterline Brewing Company | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – Take a break from the grind and roll to Waterline for a Volkswagen show under the bridge, with air-cooled nostalgia, cold beers, and a benefit for NourishNC. Free to wander, register your ride for prizes, and bring a donation to score an extra ticket.

🎸 Ladies Rock the Lake @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater | Saturday (3/7) at 12:30 PM – If you’ve been looking for a reason to swap scrolling for brushstrokes, hit the Gator Garden for a guided paint party, no experience required. It’s $25, every penny supports Domestic Violence Shelter & Services, and you’ll feel good about your masterpiece. Register in advance.

🌱 Sand Art Terrarium Workshop @ Art in Bloom Gallery at Mayfaire Town Center | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – If your houseplants are judging your decor, give them a scenic upgrade at this beginner, three-hour sand art terrarium workshop. Pick river, ocean, or mountain, layer colored sand like a dessert you won’t eat, then top with live plants, all supplies included.

🎲 Raise the Ruff 2026: Casino Night @ Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Suit up at Hotel Ballast for a riverfront casino night where your chips, bluffs, and questionable math bankroll rescue pups at Paws Place. Buy in, bid at the silent auction, and call it philanthropy, with tickets and sponsorships dropping soon.

🛍 Roar for Hope Vendors Market @ Broomtail Brewing | Sunday (3/8) at 12:00 PM – Celebrate International Women’s Day at Broomtail Brewing, a female-owned hometown taproom, for the Roar for Hope market. Shop women-owned vendors, hear musicians, snag Ally Shaw’s book and a signature, and feel virtuous as proceeds support our domestic violence shelter, plus raffles and good eats.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/6 Live Music @ Hi-Wire Brewing – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Nadia Vaeh and more @ The Eagle’s Dare – 7:00 PM
• 3/6 Amy Miller @ Dead Crow Comedy Room – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Cargo District Comedy @ Azalea Station – 7:30 PM
• 3/7 Tripodacus and more @ The Rusty Nail – 8:00 PM
• 3/7 Justin Cody Fox @ Live At Ted’s – 8:00 PM
• 3/8 SunSquabi and more @ Bowstring Burgers and Brewyard – 7:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Wilmington report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 78°F – Low: 59°F – Precip: 5%

Areas of fog before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Later: Areas of fog after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 2 to 6 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 77°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 7%

Areas of fog before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 2 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Something in your house is about to break 🏠

It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major system and appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’re staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast.

It never happens at a convenient time, and most homeowners just eat the cost because they don’t realize there’s a better option.

American Home Shield covers repairs and replacements on most of your home’s major systems and appliances — old or new, no inspection required.

The best part? Select plans are 50% off now through March 9th.

This house is wild

French Provincial charisma in gated Landfall, this 6,800 sq ft, 5 bed, 5.5 bath residence showcases four live oaks, a circular fountain drive, and a 3-car garage. Inside, a vaulted great room with custom bar and a quartz kitchen shine, while upstairs delivers a Howe Creek balcony game room, theater, climate-controlled flex space, and heated screened porch, terrace.

Take a peek inside →